Indian authorities have instructed the country's Airbus A320neo operators to replace the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines on the type with an upgraded version of the powerplant by the end of January 2020.

Ashwani Lohani, Air India's former chairman and managing director, said the carrier's financial situation has not stabilised, despite logging an operating profit in its 2016 financial year. However, he expressed optimism that the airline will be on a stronger footing after being privatised.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation is undertaking extensive examinations of the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan engines on Airbus A320neos operated by GoAir and IndiGo, following the emergence of new issues with the engine.

India’s orderbook for new aircraft appears to be continuing in an upward trajectory following last week’s agreement by GoAir to purchase 72 Airbus A320neos, doubling its firm commitments for the re-engined variant to 144.

FlightGlobal is the global aviation community’s primary source of news, data, insight, knowledge and expertise. We provide news, data, analytics and advisory services to connect the aviation community globally and help organisations shape their business strategies, identify new opportunities and make better decisions faster.